The Family Justice Center (“the Center”) is proud to announce the selection of Bisa French as its new Executive Director to usher in its next chapter of impact. Bisa has dedicated her life to supporting survivors and strengthening families through nearly three decades of experience in community-centric law enforcement and service. An advocate for vulnerable youth and families, she has cultivated deep community relationships and demonstrated personal commitment to the Center’s mission playing a pivotal role in the collaborative efforts to establish the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center in Richmond. Bisa will start her new position on March 4, 2026 after retiring from the Richmond Police Department – where she made history as the first woman Chief of Police in its 113-year history.
“The Board of Directors is excited to embark upon the Family Justice Center’s next chapter with Bisa as our experienced and compassionate new Executive Director,” said the Center’s Board Chair Stephanie Rivera. “Bisa’s knowledge of the communities we serve, trusted stakeholder relationships, inspiring personal story, and demonstrated commitment to survivor-centered service make her the ideal match for the Center.”
For over 10 years, the Family Justice Center has served as a warm and welcoming one-stop center for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The Center provides a place where families come first. Staff bring resources to meet the needs of children, youth, and families impacted by interpersonal violence, recognizing that family violence greatly impacts children’s healthy development including their emotional, mental, and physical health. The Center also provides counseling services, legal support (family law and immigration), restraining order assistance, yoga, and much more. Led by outgoing Executive Director and domestic violence law attorney Susun Kim, the Center has grown from one temporary home and a team of five to five thriving locations across two counties, over 55 dedicated team members, and a powerful network of over 80 partner organizations.
“The journey from being a founding partner, the inaugural board chair, and a proponent of the Family Justice Center model to becoming the next Executive Director represents a full-circle moment in my life,” said Bisa. “This role will allow me the incredible privilege of continuing my lifelong mission of building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities for all in partnership with client-centered staff, a dedicated Board, and values-aligned partners. Susun’s leadership has been transformative, making the Center feel like family to me and to so many survivors. I am honored to be able to carry that legacy into the future, helping the organization continue to evolve to meet changing needs.”
Bisa’s career began in 1998 with the Richmond Police Department, where she served in various roles, including Community Policing Officer, Field Training Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, and a Detective in both the Property Crimes Unit and the Family Services Unit, where she discovered her passion for supporting vulnerable youth and families. Promoted to Sergeant in 2006, Bisa led, mentored, and developed officers across various supervisory assignments and served as the department’s Public Information Officer. In 2011, as a Lieutenant, she collaborated with Contra Costa County, STAND! For Families Free of Violence, Community Violence Solutions, and other partners to establish the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center.
In 2013, Bisa made history as the first African American and Latina Captain in the department and its youngest-ever appointee to the rank. Three years later, she was promoted to Assistant Chief, overseeing the department’s operations and leading efforts focused on racial equity and justice within the criminal justice system. A true trailblazer, appointed interim chief in 2019 and named permanent chief of police in July 2020, Bisa, once again, made history as the first woman to lead the Richmond Police Department. Her tenure was characterized by community-centered policing strategies, strengthened regional partnerships, and a commitment to trauma-informed approaches, which resulted in the lowest homicide rates in the city in over 50 years.
A Bay Area native, Bisa resides in the area with her husband and three children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University. She is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). Additionally, she has served on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Community Policing Committee and on the boards of the Contra Costa County Youth Services Bureau and the Richmond Police Activities League.
“We set out to find an emotionally intelligent, action-oriented, and inclusive bridge-builder to lead the Center and we need look no further than Bisa,” said the Center’s Search Committee Chair Devorah Levine. “With her track record of compassionate community leadership, executive management capabilities, and proven advocacy for the Center, she is well-suited to catch the baton and run a winning race that helps our team and partners continue to serve survivors with excellence and care.”
More About Family Justice Center
The Family Justice Center is a warm and welcoming one-stop center for victims of interpersonal violence (IPV) – domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The Center serves victims and survivors regardless of their income, immigration status or location. We meet survivors where they are and help them through the process of healing and self-empowerment. The Center is a public-private partnership committed to creating a vibrant community free of coercion and fear. It serves as a backbone organization, created to lead, coordinate, and support the collective efforts of direct-service partner agencies including law enforcement, city and county agencies, and 80+ community-based organizations across five (5) operating Family Justice Centers: Solano Family Justice Center in Fairfield, West Contra Costa Center in Richmond, Central Contra Costa Center in Concord, East Contra Costa Center in Antioch, and South Contra Costa Center in Danville. For more information, please visit https://cocofamilyjustice.org.
The Family Justice Center partnered with Walker & Associates Consulting – a Black- and woman-owned strategic management consulting and executive search firm promoting equitable community impact – to ensure a values-aligned approach to the search. For more information, please visit https://walkeraac.com.
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